Subconscious is defined by psychologist, Pierre Janet, as the part of mind functioning automatically, beneath conscious awareness. However, studies have shown that this intricate mechanism actually controls more than ninety percent of human behaviors. Most of us function day to day without ever paying attention to our subconscious mind. We use our conscious will, or we call “will-power”, trying to change our behaviors to better our lives. However, these changes frequently present us great challenges. Also, these changes can often be temporary so we simply return to our formal habits without effort.

Why are changes so hard with only self-discipline? Our will is controlled by the conscious mind, which only has minimum power in determining our actions. Trying fiercely to only use your willpower in making permanent changes is like trying to move a huge rock by yourself while dozens of team members sitting around watching you struggle without ever helping. Pure determination is seldom enough.

For example, at the beginning of the year, you made a new year resolution that you would eat better and exercise so you could lose some weight. You were absolutely determined about your goals, and you watched everything you ate. You even woke up earlier to exercise. You felt great, and you thought that you could truly succeed in achieving your goals THIS TIME! However, only two weeks into January, you slipped back to your formal unhealthy eating habits. Before the end of January, you had decided that getting up early in the morning to exercise just would not work for you anymore. Staying in the warm and cozy bed was more appealing. Does this sound familiar to you? Even though your conscious determination wanted to lose weight, your subconscious mind was threatened by the changes, and powerfully tried to stay with old habits. Your mind was working against you without you ever knowing it.

Fortunately, there are methods in accessing our subconscious mind, and even programming it so that it becomes our ally to assist us on behavior changes. Hypnosis is one of them. Subliminal suggestions is another one. The basics of these two methods use the same principle of introducing new patterns to the brain while it is in a subconsciously receptive state of deep trance. While we are in this receptive state, our brain produces theta waves which are much slower frequencies than the alert state of the beta waves. Ways to get into a deep trance include relaxing music, deep breathing or hypnosis inductions. They are easily purchased online and in the bookstores for you to practice at home. Certified hypnotherapists can easily be found in your local directories as well.

Knowing the power of our subconscious mind is only the first step in personal empowerment. Learning how to shape it, and utilize it to better our lives is the next step, and a vital part of building a successful life. Start paying attention to what truly drives your behaviors. Try out books and tapes out there that promote positive changes of the subconscious mind. Wouldn’t life be so much easier when you don’t have to feel like you are paddling against the streams at all time?